The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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The Polar Challenge route covers 514 kilometres. Competitors begin with a four-day training expedition in which they ski from Resolute to Polaris Mine - the Polar Challenge starting point. The race itself runs from Polaris to Issachen Mine through three checkpoints. The first two checkpoints are resupply points where competitors rest for 12 to 24 hours and take on new food and fuel supplies, and the third is the 1996 position of the Magnetic North Pole. It is difficult for planes to land here so the finish line is 40 km after this point, near a disused airstrip.